Shakespeare shakedown

Tony Danza and Judd Hirsch attend the after party for that "Anonymous" screening in the Circo on October 20, 2011 in NY City.Roland Emmerich and Joely Richardson party at Circo.The Bard did not write some of individuals classic plays?"I had been surprised at the writer question," Joely Richardson stated of her new pic "Anonymous," which Columbia Pictures preemed Thursday at MoMA. "I figured, 'They're kidding, right? Who's develop this now?' When I educate yourself I recognized it has been a continuing debate -- and that i prefer 'debate' to 'conspiracy.'"Helmer Roland Emmerich thinks that his being German assisted him to get pregnant this kind of crazy tale."It will provide you with a benefit, since you look in the outdoors in," he stated. "Also, I had been courageous. Lots of people refer to it as stupidness, however i don't care the other people think." Bride and groom Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell prevented the red-colored carpet at MoMA, then missed the afterparty at Circo. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Norman Corwin dies at 101

Emmy-winning writer-producer Norman Corwin, who was among the first to use the new entertainment media of the 20th century to explore social issues of importance, died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. The cause was not given. The man sometimes called "radio's poet laureate" was 101.Before Norman Lear or Rod Serling, Corwin, like Orson Welles, using the medium of radio drama to explore the issues of the day. Born in Boston, Corwin first worked as a writer at a couple of Massachusetts newspapers and later as a newsreader for radio station WBZA. He moved to NY in 1936 and first created programs for an independent radio station there. Corwin began working for the CBS Radio Network in 1938. His CBS series "Norman Corwin's Words Without Music" -- which marked the first use of a writer's name in a program title -- included rhymed fantasy "The Plot to Overthrow Christmas" and "They Fly Through the Air," Corwin's galvanizing response to the Spanish Civil War. In 1941, CBS' "The Columbia Workshop" series provided Corwin with a 26-week slot, "26 by Corwin"; he produced a wide-ranging series of programs, many of which reflected his sense of social justice. His run ended a month before Pearl Harbor. He adopted a similar approach for 1944's "Columbia Presents Corwin." In December 1941, Corwin wrote and produced the landmark program "We Hold These Truths." This celebration of the Bill of Rights' 150th anniversary, narrated by Welles, aired simultaneously over all four networks a week after Pearl Harbor. For V-E Day in 1945, Corwin created "On a Note of Triumph." Carl Sandburg called this program "one of the all-time great American poems." The show had been conceived as a morale booster for the troops before the end of the war was anticipated; Corwin was told, however, that President Truman wanted the program to air not despite but because of the victory. Corwin's most famous program drew an audience of 60 million at a time when the U.S. population was about 130 million. Three months later came his V-J Day documentary "14 August," narrated by Welles. For his efforts in advancing the notion that the world should become more unified, Corwin became the first winner of the One World Award, established by the Common Council for American Unity along with the (Wendle) Wilkie Memorial of Freedom House. The honoree received an around-the-world trip, and Corwin made good use of the prize, setting out on a four-month journey in June 1946 accompanied by a CBS recording engineer. His 100 hours of recorded interviews with world leaders and ordinary citizens were molded by CBS into a 13-part documentary that aired in 1947. Corwin left CBS in 1948 and produced a series of programs for United Nations Radio. Also during the 1940s, Corwin wrote several books and penned the libretto to an opera, "Warriors," that was produced at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1947. During the 1950s and early 1960s Corwin penned several screenplays. He drew an Oscar nomination for his adaptation of Irwin Stone's "Lust for Life" in 1957. He also scripted "The Blue Veil" (1951), "Scandal at Scourie" (1953), "No Place to Hide" (1956), "The Naked Maja" (1958), "The Story of Ruth" (1960) and "Madison Avenue" (1962) and did uncredited work on "The Band Wagon" and John Huston's "Moby Dick." He was also writing and sometimes directing plays, including "The Rivalry," with Richard Boone as Abraham Lincoln, in 1959, and "The World of Carl Sandburg," with Bette Davis, in 1960, both on Broadway. In 1969 he performed poems he'd written on two episodes of "The Ed Sullivan Show," and in 1972 he produced and hosted the TV series "Norman Corwin Presents" for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. He scripted the 1974 telepic "Judgement: The Court Martial of the Tiger of Malaya -- General Yamashita," about the trial of a Japanese war criminal after WWII. In 1978 he wrote, with Hildy Parks, the seven-part docu series "CBS: On the Air," celebrating the first 50 years of CBS broadcasting. In 1991, 50 years after his show "We Hold These Truths" first aired on radio, Corwin produced a show for American Public Radio with the same name and some of the same material, again celebrating the Bill of Rights. Norman Lear and Ray Bradbury were interviewed for Les Guthman's feature docu "Corwin," which aired on PBS in 1996. "A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin" won the Oscar for best documentary (short feature) in 2006. In 2001, NPR broadcast six new Corwin plays under the title "More by Corwin." Corwin was a writer in residence at USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in recent year. In 1972 Corwin received the WGA's Valentine Davies Award. Corwin was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993. Contact Carmel Dagan at carmel.dagan@variety.com

Twilight Stars Being Immortalized In Cement At Graumans Chinese Theatre

First Launched: October 18, 2011 2:15 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Rachelle Lefervre, Billy Burke and Rachelle Lefervre attend The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1 press conference within the Hilton Bayfront throughout Comic-Disadvantage 2011 about this summer time 21, 2011 in Hillcrest La, Calif. -- The Twilight Saga trio Rachelle Lefervre, Billy Burke & Rachelle Lefervre is going to be immortalized, but instead of becoming undead bloodsuckers, the celebs have become the concrete treatment. Graumans Chinese Theatre introduced the heavens might have their handprints and feet prints cast in cement in the ceremony as you're watching legendary Hollywood landmark on November 3. Very good is probably the rarest in Hollywood, with only 250 stars getting been selected to go away their mark over time. Recent fellow stars cast in cement include Jennifer Aniston, Helen Mirren, Cher, Robert Downey Junior., Hugh Jackman, Will Cruz, the celebs the Harry Potter series and also the Actor-kaira Pitt. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 hits theaters on November 18, 2011. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Robert Downey Junior. Talks Iron Guy & An Online Detective Sequels

First Launched: October 17, 2011 6:20 PM EDT Credit: WireImage Caption Robert Downey Junior. reaches the The 25th American Cinematheque Award Adoring Robert Downey Junior. within the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Slopes, Calif. on October 14, 2011 La, Calif. -- Celebs and studio professionals alike walked in Beverly Slopes on Friday evening to recognition the impressive body at work that covers the career so far of Robert Downey Junior. Each year, the American Cinematheque, a non-profit cultural organization, is certainly the esteemed award to have an amazing artist inside the entertainment industry who's fully involved with their work which is dedicated to developing a significant contribution to the ability of the Moving Picture, in line with the organizations press materials. The Iron Guy star told Access Hollywood he was thrilled to remain in the business of his nearest pals and family, lots of whom needed happens as presenters. Speeches from people dear for the actor incorporated, father Robert Downey Sr., pregnant wife Susan Downey and industry pals Jon Favreau, Guy Ritchie and Michael Douglas. His pals and family re-written the storyplot in the troubled actor and the way proud they were of him for overcoming stints jail time and rehab to acquire his existence in line and resurrect his career too. At this time around the situation is kind of tipping my way, which i suppose youre made to enjoy that, Downey Junior., 46, told Access round the red-colored-colored carpet. Longtime friend and previous American Cinematheque award champion Jodie Promote, who directed Robert in 1995s Home for your Holidays, was one which recounted trying to help the actor within the deeper days. Hes an amazing actor, and hes impossible to depart behind. Hes kind and amazing and gifted, Promote told Access. He was wonderful inside our film, which i did not possess a poor day with him. However, the evening wasnt without comedy something the actor has excelled at throughout his acting tenure in films like Deadline and Tropic Thunder. A humorous clip of Mel Gibson, Jamie Foxx and Garry Shandling preempted the nights occasions, and coupled with speeches from Jennifer Aniston, Jack Black and producer Joel Silver, who recounted a particularly funny story within the number of their first movie together, Downey Junior. reaches fits of laughter the entire evening. But Robert told Access right before the large event he was ready for that friendly ribbing. Im a little in this, therefore i possess some understanding about how precisely the evening goes, he mentioned. I expect nothing less. Even though event layed out clips of his best film work, when asked for what film he's most pleased with, Downey Junior. responded, The most popular movie is certainly the following so Sherlock 2. An Online Detective: A Game Title Title of Shadows, that will hit theaters on December 16, isn't his only film that hes searching toward this holidays. The honoree also recommended at what fans could possibly get in Iron Guy 3. Its apt to be a really, really exciting bit of storytelling, Robert mentioned. I won't be amazed if it's the most effective from the 3. The 46-year-old actor, who's a standout in recently released The Avengers trailer, told Access he impressed to look for the sneak peak. [A clip] switched out well, Downey Junior. mentioned. It's been a pleasurable week. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cinema Proprietors Choose New Officials

(Washington, D.C. and North Hollywood, Calif., October 14, 2011) The Nation's Association of Theatre Proprietors (NATO) introduced today the election of recent officials through the Executive Board of Company directors in the associations annual meeting, October 5-6, in the Park Hyatt hotel in Washington, D.C. Chosen to 2-year terms were S. David Passman, III, Leader and Boss, Carmike Movie theaters, Corporation., as Chairman Nora Dashwood, Chief Brand Officer, Off-shore Cinemas/ArcLight Movie theaters, as Vice-Chairperson Byron Berkley, Leader, Foothills Entertainment Co., as Treasurer and re-chosen as Secretary, Mark OMeara, Leader, College Mall Cinemas. NATO leader and Boss John Fithian noted, With respect to our people, I wish to thank our outgoing officials and our new officials for his or her service. A connection like NATO is just as strong since it's volunteer leaders and NATO is really fortunate to achieve the generous service of the very gifted people within our industry. The associations two-day meeting came in the finish of the record-breaking summer time in the box office amongst a troubled economic system. A lot more than 100 people celebrated the robust condition from the cinema industry while talking about issues of common importance to theater proprietors, for example video camera thievery, digital cinema, and three dimensional projection. People also met with key legislators as well as their employees on Capitol Hill about issues concerning participants just before the meeting. Film Association of America (MPAA) chairman and Boss Sen. Chris Dodd keynoted a personal dinner for participants.

IM Global Pacts With Edgy Brit Producer

EXCLUSIVE: Los Angeles-based sales agent IM Global has made a multi-film commitment to take upcoming in-house productions from UK distributor Revolver Entertainment. The slate will go through IM Globals Octane genre label. Were looking to create films that have the potential to travel internationally, Revolver CEO Justin Marciano tells me. Gunslinger, Revolvers in-house production arm, has two projects it is pushing forward on: Offender, directed by Ron Scalpello, which the company is pitching as a Brit version of A Prophet, and Lenny The Guvnor McClean (working title), based on the true story of a East End thug who became Britains most notorious bare-knuckle fighter. Revolver has already set a summer 2012 release for Offender, written by Paul Van Carter and produced by Nick Taussig of Revolver, which tells the story of a man who sets up his own imprisonment in order to avenge the rape of his girlfriend. Production starts early December. Revolver formed Gunslinger in fall 2009, adopting the model Luc Besson used in the early days of EuropaCorp: The Brit producer makes low-budget features aimed at an under-served youth audience, which can go into profit just through their home market. The London Film Festival is screening Gunslingers 3rd production, retribution thriller Sket, before its October 28 UK release. Spoof comedy Anuvahood sent up the craze for low-budget gangsta Brit movies, while Gunslingers first production Shank was a gang culture thriller. Other Brit movies that IM Global has been selling include Madonnas W.E. and Welcome to the Punch, starring James McAvoy.

Shirley MacLaine To Receive AFI Life Achievement Award On June 7th

Shirley MacLaine has been named the 40th recipient of the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. The 77-year-old MacLainewill receive the tribute during a gala ceremony next June 7 that will be broadcast later that month on TV Land. In announcing the selection, AFI board of trustees chair Howard Stringer said, “Shirley MacLaine is a powerhouse of personality that has illuminated screens large and small across six decades. From ingenue to screen legend, Shirley has entertained a global audience through song, dance, laughter and tears, and her career as writer, director and producer is even further evidence of her passion for the art form and her seemingly boundless talents.” The 1984 Oscar winner as Best Actress for Terms of Endearment is being honored by AFI four years after her younger brother Warren Beattywas in 2008.

Discovery preps 'Rosie' roadblock

'The Rosie Show'Oprah Winfrey cabler OWN is making certain "The Rosie Show" and "Oprah's Lifeclass" get plenty of play. The cabler's other parent, Discovery Communications, will simulcast the series' preem across OWN and four of the others: TLC, Analysis Discovery, Discovery Fit and Health, and Planet Eco-friendly. OWN remains the subject of great importance and discussion both inside its parent companies and out carrying out a much-marketed launch not successful use a guaranteed huge ratings rise in its initial few several days. Since Winfrey's syndie show reaches an finish, however, the multi-hyphenate takes an even more active role in running the web herself. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

'Smurfs' sees only local rivals

"The Smurfs""The Smurfs" may not be setting the overseas weekend box office on fire week after week, but the Sony live action-toon hybrid displayed sturdy enough legs to stay ahead of all challengers for the seventh straight week, collecting $12.6 million over the weekend of Sept. 23-25, to push its worldwide cume past the $500 million mark.And while major studio titles haven't been able to catch "The Smurfs" in total overseas grosses, several foreign-lingo pics turned in solid perfs locally. For instance, Lebanese Oscar entry "Where Do We Go Now?" bowed with $153,358, making it the biggest opening for an Arabic-speaking pic in that country. The local record was held previously by Lebanese TV production "Daddy's Girl," which collected $109,341 in 2007, followed by 2009's Egyptian blockbuster, "Omar & Salma 2," with $110,828.Also appealing to local auds, "Mannerherzen 2" -- a co-production among Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, Wiedemann and Berg Filmproduktion -- stayed atop the German B.O. for its second consecutive frame, with a weekend take of $1.7 million for a local cume of $5.5 million.The follow-up to 2009's "Men in the City," about a group of men who fall in and out of love, grossed $6.4 million collectively from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.Warners also distribbed local title "Top Cat" in Mexico, where the film took in $1.7 million in its soph sesh -- enough to maintain the No. 1 spot in that territory. "Top Cat," produced by Anima Estudios in Mexico and Illusion Studios in Argentina, tallied $5.6 million locally after two weeks.Twentieth Century Fox launches Indian pic "Force," over the coming weekend in eight territories mostly including in the Middle East, as well as Australia and the U.K. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Watch Movies